Combined radio transmitter and receiver



April 13, 1948.

D. H. MrrczHlzLl.`

COMBINED RADIO TRANSMITTER AND RECEI'VER Original Filed Feb. 20, 1942 2 sheets-Sheet 1 f 7 w w W, N A Q 2 April 13, 1948. D, H, M|TCHELL 2,439,410

COMBINED RADIO TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER Original Filed Feb. 20, 1942 2 Sheets sheef 2 Patented Apr. 13, 1948 COMBINED RADIO TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER Donald H. Mitchell, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Motorola, Inc., a corporation of Illinois Original application February 20, 1942, Serial No.

Divided and this application March 31, 1943, Serial No. 481,196

6 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to radio apparatus and in particular to a portable selfcontained combination radio receiver and transmitter unit. This application is a division of copending application Serial No. 431,722, led February 20, 1942.

The combination portable radio receiver and transmitter units now generally used are not entirely satisfactory because of their bulk and weight, and the inconveniences encountered in setting them up for operation. In most instances these prior art sets are not self-contained as a package unit and usually include an earphone unit or an antenna unit which are separately attachable to the body of the set by extension wires or the like. As a result these are not capable of operation immediately on reaching a new destination or while enroute to such destination, since some time must be used forassembling the earl phone or the antenna units and for making various tuning and control adjustments. Further because of the bulk of the sets they are diillcult to handle and generally too heavy to be manually supported while in operation. In fact many of them require special supporting means upon which the various parts of the set are relatively arranged in a manner to facilitate their use. The maneuverability and the flexibility of application of these sets to the various ileld demands required of sets of this type, such as in an army signal corps, lpolice work and the like. is thus appreciably restricted. Even after the sets are assembled for operation considerable delay is usually involved in the transmission and reception of signals because of the time lost in changing from transmitting to receiving and vice versa. Also because of their relatively complicated structure, the component parts of the prior vart sets are usually completely dismantled for servicing and replacement purposes. Another objection to these sets is that they are open to the atmosphere whereby their use on rainy days is generally impaired or restricted to places having suitable shelters therefor, Further these sets are generally unprotected against rough handling or dropping so that great care must be exercised at all times to prevent permanent injury thereto.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an improved radio apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved combination radio receiver and transmitter unit.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved switching apparatus for selectively intercoupling the electron discharge tubes f a com.-

bined radio transmission and receiving system to provide either a signal receiving channel or a signal transmitting channel.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of radio equipment capable of being completely enclosed within an elongated housing in which linearly movable contact means for longitudinally extending switch means within the housing is actuated by manual means on the outside of the housing movable substantially in a direction normal to the linear direction of movement of said contact means.

Further objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig, 1 is a front perspective view of the radio unit of this invention as it appears when not in use;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the manually operated means for actuating the change-over switch;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the chassis unit, the uni-t being shown in actual size;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a transparent insulating member which forms a part of the switch means for changing the operation of the combination set of this invention from a receiver to a transmitter and vice versa; and

Fig. 5 is a plan detail view of the change-over switch means.

In practicing this invention there is provided a portable self-contained combination radio receiver and transmitter set which is compact and light in Weight so as to be easily carried about or supported in one hand.

A single switch means is utilized to change the set over from operating as a receiver to a transmitter and vice versa. The switch means is assembled as a part of the chassis unit and is positioned entirely within the housing. A manu-1 ally operated unit for actuating the change-over switch means projects outwardly from one side of the housing, and is arranged relative to the earphone and microphone units s0 as to be positioned below the one hand of the operator used in supporting the set in an operating position. It is necessary merely to press and release the changeover switch with such supporting hand to immediately change the set from a receiver to a transmitter and vice versa.

Referring to the drawings the combination radio receiver and transmitter set of this invention is illustrated in Fig. 1 as including an elongated housing 40 ot substantially square cross section over its entire length and open at the ends 4| and 42 thereof. In order to make the complete set as light as possible in weight it is contemplated that the housing 40 be composed of aluminum or like material. Projecting portions 60 and 65 are provided on the housing 49 for earphone and microphone units and a manual switch operating unit 201 is provided on the housing as will be more fully explained. A cap 29| is provided for covering the extending tip of an antenna |36 (Fig. 3). The cap 26| is attached to the housing by a chain or the like 263 and is adapted to be positioned on a, threaded holding flange 262 when the set is being used.

The switch operating unit 201 operates a single control switch |92 (Figs. 2 and 5) assembled as a part of the chassis unit 52 which is used to completely change over the operation of the combination set from its function as a `receiver to a transmitter and vice versa. The switch |92 extends longitudinally of the chassis unit 52 and to one side thereof across the tubes Tl-T5, inclusive. The switch |92 includes a stationary insulating member or frame |93 of flat form and a movable insulating member |94 also of flat form and arranged for linear movement relative to the stationary member |93. Extending in linear alignment and arranged in a spaced relation longitudinally of the stationary member |93, are a plurality of groups of contacts |96 having engaging ngers |91 and |98 (Fig. 2). As illustrated for the switch contact |96a in Fig. 5, the stationary member |93 is formed with an aperture |99 for receiving therein the ilnger portion |91 of the switch contact |9Ea. The iinger portion |98 of contact |9611 is shown broken away. The nnger portion |971 is thus retained substantially in the plane of the stationary member |93. t is to be understood, of course, that the above construction :for the contact |96a. is similar for all of the contacts |99.

The movable member |94 carries contacts 29| of substantially L-shape having a leg portion 292 (Fig. 2) extending through a corresponding slot 293 formed in the stationary member |93. The end 204 of the leg portion 292 is anchored in the movable member |94 so as to be retained in a xed position thereon. A second leg portion 20S substantially normal to the leg portion 292 is projected laterally away from a corresponding slot 203 for positioning between the ngers |91 and |98 of corresponding contacts |96. By virtue of the nger |91 being substantially in the plane of the stationary member |93, the leg portions 206 are slidably supported for movement on the member |93 and through thev linger portions |91 and |98 whereby to slidably support the movable member |92 on the stationary member |99. Contacts 20|' include portions engaging contacts on both sides of the stationary member |93. 1t is seen, therefore, that on linear movement o the movable member |99 relative to the stationary member |93 the contacts 29| are moved relative to corresponding contacts l 99 to control the energization of the circuits associated with the con= tacts |99. Contacts on the stationary member |93 not engaged by any contacts '29| on the slidable member |99 are indicated at 299. These contacts 299 are merely the lugs for other circuit con-u necticns.

The operation of the switch |92 is manually controlled by a manually operated unit 299 oper atively supported on the housing 99 and to the outside thereof (Fig. 2). The unit 291i includes toggle or extensible means 298 comprising a pair of members 299 and 2|`| of substantially arcuate shape which are pivotally connected together at their adjacent ends by axis means 2|2. The end '2|9 of the toggle member 2|| is pivotally con` nected by axis means 2 |13 with a bracket member 2|8 secured to the housing 40 by a screw or the like 2|1 so that the end 2|3 is in a fixed position relative to the housing 49. The end 2|8 of the toggle member 209 is pivotally connected by axis means 2|9 with a linearly movable member 22| which is slidably supported on the housing |50. The linear movement of the slidable member 22| is in the-same direction as the linear movement of the movable member |94 of the switch |92, the member 22| having guiding rim portions 223 thereon for receiving a guiding member 224 secured by a screwv 226 to the housing 40. On pressing the toggle means 208 toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 2, the pivotal connection 2|2 between the toggle members 209 and 2| is moved in an arcuate path which is substantially normal to the direction of linear movement of the slidable member 22| and hence to the direction of linear movement of the switch member |94. This movement of the toggle means 208 linearly moves the end 2|8 of the toggle member 209 to in turn move the slidable member 22| in a linear direction. The position of the parts of the manually operated unit 201 when the toggle means is in a depressed condition is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. The movement of the pivotal connection '2|2 is limited by a cushioned bumper 221 carried on the housing lll) and secured thereto by the screw 2|1.

The slidable member` 22| has an extension 229 thereon which extends through an opening 239 formed in the housing 9D. This extension 228 is in abutting engagement with a projection 229. secured to the movable switch member |99 and extending laterally therefrom through a slot 23| formed in the stationary switch member |93. On movement of the pivotal connection 2|'2 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 2, the extension 228 on the slidable member '22| is moved downwardly to in turn engage the projection 229 for movement therewith to their positions shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. This downward movement of the projection 229 in turn linearly moves the movable member |99 in one direction relative to the stationary member |93 and hence the contacts '29| relative to the contacts |96 to control the radio circuits.

Onl release of the toggle means 208 the toggle member 2|| is initially moved by a spring member 292 out of a binding position with the toggle member 299. The continued movement of the toggle means 209 to its unoperated position is accomplished by a tension spring 233 (Fig. 5) connected at one end to the stationary member |93 and at its opposite` end to the movable member |99, the spring being partially positioned within a slot 239 formed in the stationary member |93. This action of the spring member linearly moves 'the member |99 in an opposite direction relative to the member |93, with the engagement of the projection 229 with the extensionj222 on the slidable member 22| returning the toggle means 292 to an idle position. When the manually operated unit 29? is in the position in-1 dicated in full lines in Fig. 2, the set is connected for operation as a receiver. With the toggle unit 29'1 ,in the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2 the set is operated as a transmitter. It is seen, therefore, that changing the operation oi the set from a. transmitter to a receiver is auto`1 matically accomplished simply by releasing the operating unit 201 and that the set will operate as a receiver so long as the unit 201 is retained in a depressed position. -The change over from receiving to transmitting and vice versa is accomplished in a minimum or time and without any delay for making adjustments between the receiving and transmitting operations.

The ilat arrangement of the change-over switch means |92 longitudinally of the chassis unit 52 and across one side o! the tubes T|-T5, inclusive, provides for the contacts |99 and 20| corresponding to an associated tube being substantially adjacent such tube without projecting any appreciable distance laterally from the chassis unit 52. By virtue oi a tube and its associated contacts being adjacent each other only very short leads or connections are required for connecting the contacts of the switch |92 into the tube circuits so as to substantially reduce the circuit losses resulting from long connections. A transparent insulating member 299 (Fig. 4) is arranged in a superposed relation with the switch unit |92 and is secured at each end thereof to the radio chassis 52. The transparent insulating member 239 is adapted to have applied thereon suitable markings, indicated as 24| (Fig. 3), to facilitate the assembly and checking of the tube circuits.

The passage of any moisture into the housing 40 from about the manually operated unit 201 for the change-over switch |92 is prevented by a rubber hood 21| having a central portion preformed to a shape corresponding to the shape of the toggle means 201 when the same is in a rest position and a ilat rim portion 212 for tting against the housing 40 (Fig. 2). The rim portion 212 is clamped against the housing 40 by a clamping plate 213 having an aperture 214 therein for receiving the toggle means 201 and the central .preformed portion of the gasket 21|, the plate 213 being secured to the housing '40 by screws or the like 216.

From a. consideration oi Fig. 1, it is seen that the housing portions 60 and 95 project from a common side of the housing i while the manually operated unit 201 projects from a next adjacent side of the housing 40. The housing portions 60 and 65 are inclined toward each other and are relatively spaced to provide for their use in the manner of a telephone set as indicated in Fig. 1. In other words with the housing 40 supported in one hand of the operator the microphone unit 63 is positioned near the operators mouth while the earphone unit 62 is positioned near one of his ears. In the commercial embodiment of the invention previously mentioned, the housing 40 is about a foot long and approximately three inches square with the weight of the entire unit being only about five pounds. The housing 40 is thus capable of being easily grasped in one hand of the operator and by virtue of the light weight of the complete set can be readily and simply supported in an operating position which is common for both receiving and transmitting. The operating unit 201 for the change-over switch |92 is arranged relative to the housing portions 00 and 65 so as to be positioned below the hand of the operator which is used in holding the set in its operating position. By merely opening and closing the hand, therefore, the unit 201 is operated to control the change-over switch |92. Itis seen, therefore, that the supporting of the set in an operating position, and the manipulation of the operating unit 201 to change from receiving 6 to transmitting and vice versa is accomplished entirely by one hand of the operator, so that the other hand of the operator is left entirely free for taking notations or performing other miscellaneous duties.

From a consideration of the above description and drawings, therefore, it is seen that the invention provides a combination radio receiver and transmitter set which is of a very compact construction, light in weight, and which is completely self-contained as to the antenna, source of energy supply, and all of the necessary operating component parts. A single switch is utilized for changing the set from transmitting to receiving and vice versa. Because of this simplicity` in construction, assembly, and operation of the set, it may be readily operated elciently by an unskilled operator. It is to be noted also that the combination set is immediately operative on turning on oi.' the energy supply switch so that communications may be carried on while the operator ls enroute to a destination or after he has arrived at such destination.

Although the invention has been described with specilic reference to a. particular embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited, since changes in the parts and in their relative arrangement can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

lI claim:

l. An electrical slide switch comprising, a flat longitudinally extending stationary insulating member, a second nat longitudinally extending insulating member linearly' movable relative to said first insulating member, first group of contacts spaced longitudinally of said first insulating member, a second group of contacts on said second insulating member cooperating with said iirst contacts, said first insulating member having apertures therein corresponding to said second group of contacts but laterally spaced therefrom, each of said second group of contacts being inserted through a corresponding slot in said rst insulating member and extended laterally away from such corresponding slot for engagement with a. corresponding one of said first group of contacts, said other group of contacts slidably supporting said second insulating member on said first insulating member for movement relative thereto.

2. An electrical slide switch comprising a fiat insulating member having a slot therein, a second fiat insulating member, a ilrst contact carried by said iirst insulating member in a position laterally displaced from said slot, and a second contact carried by said second insulating member and extending through said slot, said second contact being provided with a portion extending laterally away from said slot toward said first contact to hold said members in assembled relationship for relative movement therebetween and to engage said rst contact during relative movement between said members.

3. Electrical switching apparatus comprising, stationary contact means, cooperating movable contact means, a linearly slidable member supporting said movable contact means for movement relative to said stationary contact means, actuating means for moving said slidable member including a normally collapsed toggle generally parallel to said members and having a first link operatively connected to said slidable member and a second link pivoted at one end to said first link and at the other to a fixed point of said apparatus, said toggle being extensible to eiect linear movement of said slidable member, and means for biasing said toggle from said extended position to said collapsed position.

4. Electrical switching apparatus comprising, stationary contact means, cooperating movable contact means, a linearly slidable member supporting said movable contact means for movement relative to said stationary contact means from a first position to a secondposition, bias ing means tending to hold said member in said first position, said linearly slidable member having a projection thereon, actuating means having a portion adapted to engage said projection for moving said slidable member from said first position to said second position. said actuating means including a normally collapsed toggle generally parallel .to said member. said toggle including a ilrst link connected to said actuating portion and a second link pivoted at one end to first link and at the other end to a iixed point of said apparatus, said toggle being extensible to eect linear movement of said engaging portion to move said slidable member from said first position to said second position.

5. An electrical slide switch comprising a at longitudinally extending insulating frame having a slot extending longitudinally therein and substantially the entire length thereof, a ilat longitudinally extending insulating member linearly movable relative to said insulating frame and supported thereon, a plurality of groups of contacts carried by said insulating frame spaced along the length thereof and laterally displaced from said slot, and a plurality of contacts carried by said insulating member extending through said slot and having portions extending laterally away from said slot toward said contacts on said insulating frame to hold said frame and said member in assembled relationship for relative movement therebetween, each of said contacts on said insulating member being adapted to be associated with a particular group of contacts on said frame and being dimensioned to correspond to said lparticular group of contacts, said contacts being positioned on said frame and on said member so that said contacts on said insulating memberv selectively engage` said contacts on said insulating frame during relative movement between said frame and said member.

6. An electrical slide switch for .use with an electrical system to change they connections in a plurality of circuits in said system comprising, a dat longitudinally extending insulating frame having a slot extending longitudinally therein and substantially the entire length thereof, a at longitudinally extending insulating member linearly movable relative to said insulating frame and supported thereon, a plurality of groups of contacts carried by said insulating frame along the length thereof with adjacent groups spaced from each other and laterally displaced from said slot, and a plurality of bridging contacts carried by said insulating member extending through said slot and having portions extending laterally away from said slot toward said contacts on said insulating frame to hold said frame and said member in assembled relationship for relative movement therebetween, said bridging contacts being individually associated with said groups of contacts on said frame and each being dimensioned to correspond to the particular group of contacts with which it is associated, said bridging contacts being positioned with respect to said groups oi.' contacts to selectively interconnect said contacts of said groups during relative movement between said frame and said member.

DONALD H. MITCHELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,276,933 Collom Mar. 17, 1942 2,018,569 Pettingill et al. Oct. 22, 1935 2,267,427 Schmid Dec. 23, 1941 2,234,405 Hall et al. Mar. 11, 1941 2,213,845 Mosting et al Sept. 3, 1940 1,735,344 White Nov. 12, 1929 1,669,545 Aalborg May 15, 1928 1,955,967 Leathers Apr. 24, 1934 893,891 Atwood July 21, 1908 2,064,826 Grohsgal Dec. 22, 1936 2,213,845 Masteney Sept. 3, 1940 842,405 Leonard Jan. 29, 1907 1,691,627 DeHart Nov. 13, 1928 842,405 Leonard Jan. 28, 1907 1,089,564 Hull Mar. 10, 1914 OTHER REFERENCES Publication I, A Battery Transceiver for 112MC,".by Chambers, A. S. T., April, 1940, pp. 213-31. 

